Community Jam Session and Immigration-Reform Bill

Posted on June 17, 2013 by TurkishTV

Listen to A Great Jam Session
and
Be In The Know About Immigration-Reform Bill

The Arlington Public Schools at Virginia has Adult Education Program, offering over 300 classes such as music to foreign languages, cooking, auto-repair, art to computers. In this video, Arlington County Adult Education Coordinator, Raul Matos outlines the basics of this program and the contributions of TATV’s own Engin Tanis to its music division, including how Engin introduced the idea of an instrument drive to benefit children who want to learn and play musical instruments but are unable to afford their rental costs.

Arlington Community Music Instructors

Community Jam Session at Arlington Adult Education Center

The first half of the video includes interviews with instructors Engin Tanis, Amy White, Toya Tanis, Paul Brown and Greg Sales as well as an enjoyable jam session.

The second half of the video follows with attorney Efe Potoroglu, partner at Butzel Long Tighe Patton PLLC, providing an informative and very straightforward account of the much-anticipated immigration reform bill and its implications. Age, level of education, and the type of employment are all factors that will be taken into consideration when issuing green cards if this bill is to pass. Along with many welcomed additions, some extra responsibilities will be placed on employers who seek to sponsor H-1B visa holders.

Goksin Carey and Efe

Goksin Carey and Efe Potoroglu

This informative session brings much insight into a comprehensive bill that might soon become law, affecting the lives millions of individuals and families living in the United States.

For the broadcasting schedule, please check http://turkishamericantv.org/program

To watch this show on the Internet, please visit http://turkishamericantv.org/episode-92

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A Singer and a Lawyer

Posted on May 16, 2013 by TurkishTV

Turkish American Television Proudly Presents

Jazz singer Cécile McLorin Salvant performs
at the Turkish Embassy Residence

The Ertegun Jazz Series held in December 2012 at the Turkish Ambassador’s residence had heads’ nodding and feet tapping as Cecile McLorin Salvant filled the room with her unique sound and style. This winner of the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition, the most prestigious jazz award, is only 23 years old, yet despite her youth has garnered the praise of several noted critics. Critic Ben Ratliff remarked in The New York Times, “If anyone can extend the lineage of the Big Three—Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald—it is this 23-year-old virtuoso.”

Cécile McLorin Salvant performs at the Turkish Embassy Residence

McLorin Salvant’s soulful singing is a mix of both the classic and modern. Furthermore, every word she sings reflects brilliantly through her facial expressions, capturing the true essence of jazz. TATV caught McLorin Salvant in action and includes her intimate views on singing, jazz, music in general and the Ertegun jazz series in this video.

In the second part of the program, TATV host Goksin Carey interviewed Mark Meirowitz about his trips to Turkey and to the Turkish Republic of Northn Cyprus (TRNC), his Turkish students at SUNY Maritime, his professor “students” at Istanbul Technical University (ITU) and his love for Turkey and all matters Turkish!

Mark Meirowitz (on the right) with President of TRNC Derviş Eroğlu

Mark Meirowitz (on the right) with President of TRNC Derviş Eroğlu

Mark is Assistant Professor at SUNY Maritime College in Bronx, New York, where he teaches American History, Constitutional Law and American Foreign Policy; he also teaches English to SUNY Maritime’s Turkish students. Mark also is a business lawyer, having been in practice for over 30 years. He was awarded a fellowship in July 2011 and taught English Conversation to 25 Turkish professors at Istanbul Technical University (ITU).  In July, 2012, he went to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) where he had the privilege of meeting with TRNC President Dervis Eroglu and other TRNC leaders. Mark is very active in a number of Turkish American organizations and is writing a book on Turkish foreign policy.

For the broadcasting schedule, please check http://turkishamericantv.org/program

To watch this show on the Internet, please visit http://turkishamericantv.org/episode-91

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Looking back at the 2013 Turkish American National Leadership Conference

Posted on May 7, 2013 by TurkishTV

The ATAA 33rd Annual Convention and 2013 Turkish American National Leadership Conference

FAIRFAX, Virginia
May 6, 2013

The 33rd Annual Turkish American National Convention was held on April 25-27, 2013 at the office of Turkish Coalition of America and Washington Plaza Hotel, in Washington, D.C.

The three day conference featured diverse panels on various topics related to public advocacy, science, commerce, technology, stories of the Peace Corps, the plight of Turkic peoples, literature, and youth leadership.  Equally striking were the presence of  high-ranking figures and talks given by Egeman Bagis, Turkey’s Minister of EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator, Muhtar Kent , Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Coca-Cola, Kemal Dervis ,Vice President of Brookings Institute, Virginia Foxx , US Congresswoman, Matthew Langie, Vice President of Strategic Marketing of Adobe Systems, and several others.

Muhtar Kent at NLC 2013

Muhtar Kent,Chairman of the Board and CEO of Coca-Cola, at Turkish American National Leadership Conference

Egemen Bagis, Kemal Dervis, and Muhtar Kent were the keynote speakers.  Each speaker took a different approach in his presentation: During Friday luncheon, Egemen Bagis spoke of his days of spearheading Turkish-American organizations here in the US and encouraged Turkish-Americans to take a greater role in their communities. On Saturday morning, Kemal Dervis took center stage at breakfast, with his presentation titled “The Rising Turkish Economy in the 21st Century.” He made a political analysis of Turkey and its role in today’s world. During Saturday luncheon, Muhtar Kent gave a seminar-like presentation on what he deemed to be the key points to success.

Though Abdullah Gul, President of the Republic of Turkey, and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister, were unable to attend, they and a series of other officials from both the US and Turkey extended their best wishes for the event and commended the participating organizations and attendees for their activism in the Turkish-American community. The messages of encouragement were read by a group of young Turkish-American student leaders at the Washington Plaza Hotel, during the opening of the second-half of the conference.

Furthermore, Turkey’s Ambassador to the US, H.E. Namik Tan, shared a panel on US-Turkish relations with the US Ambassador to Turkey, Francis J. Ricciardone. Ambassadors from several other countries and territories provided their insights to the audience on a panel moderated by Suat  Kiniklioglu, a Former Member of Turkish Parliament. The list of honorable panelists included HE Gilbert Galanxhi, Ambassador of Albania, HE Jadranka Negodic,  Ambassador for Bosnia Herzegovina, HE Akan Ismaili,  Ambassador of  Kosovoa, HE Oliver Krliu, Deputy Chief of Mission of  Macedonia, HE Dr. Elmi Ahmed Duale, UN Ambassador of Somalia, and HE Ahmet Erdengiz, DC Representative for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

ATAA 2013 Awards Recepients

ATAA Awards Presented to Turkish-American Community Leaders

In addition to its numerous and intensive panels, the conference included a reception at the Turkish Embassy and Gala during which several awards were presented to Turkish-American leaders, concluding the event with both heart-felt laughter and tears. The convention also welcomed the arrival of ATAA’s new president-elect, Mehmet Celebi, and Mehmet Toy, bidding an adieu wrapped in well-wishes to former presidents Gunay Evinch and Ergun Kirlikovali.

The “First Turkish/Turkic American Davos” had something to offer for everyone and its content reflected the diversity of its numerous sponsors. Following are statements made by young Turkish-American leaders regarding their impressions of the conference:

“The most important part of the conference was that Turkish-American leaders from academia, business, and government not only came together to discuss ideas and share their experiences, but also actively reached out to the next generation of “Young Turks.” Ufuk Kahya, Policy Advisor, U.S. House of Representatives

“ATAA’s 33rd conference was very inspiring from so many points. I got a chance to meet so many amazing people from all over the USA. I will be here next year too!” Bertan Kilkis, Student at VCU

“The most important aspect of this conference was communication. It was the perfect opportunity for Turkic-Americans from several generations to come together, preserve culture, share ideas, and advance education. I had a lot of fun seeing old friends and making new ones. I can’t wait until next year!” Erin Kaya, Lewis and Clark HS, Spokane, WA

“It is my first year in this convention , and I am glad ATAA gave me the opportunity to participate. I made really good connections and networks and also learned a lot from the experts during the sessions. I would like to participate in the following conventions and contribute more by being a volunteer.” Seza Zerman, Graduate Student, Rochester Institute of Technology

The 33rd Annual Turkish American National Convention was made possible by the Assembly of Turkish-American Associations (ATAA), the Azerbaijani American Council (AAC), American Friends of Turkey (AFOT), Azerbaijan Society of America (ASA), Ahiska Turkish Community Center of Dayton  (ATACC), American Turkish Council (ATC), Federation of Turkish American Associations (FTAA), Turkish American Business Association,  American Chamber of Commerce in Turkey (TABA-AMCHAM), Turkish American Community Center (TACC), Turkish American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TACCI), Turkish American Scientists and Scholars Association (TASSA), and the Turkish Coalition of America (TCA).

Turkish American Television is a proud media sponsor of 2013 Turkish American National Leadership Conference in Washington, DC.

Turkish American Television Satff Writer Ozgul Andican contributed to this report
Copyright 2013 The Turkish American Television. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed
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2012 Annual Turkish American National Convention

Posted on March 17, 2013 by TurkishTV

 Turkish American Television proudly presents

2012 Annual Turkish American National Convention

The 32nd Annual Turkish American National Convention was held on April 12-14, 2012 in Washington, DC. This convention is geared towards advocating a positive relationship between Turkey and the United States. Many Turkish-American organizations gather to promote involvement of community members in the affairs of US and Turkey through education, grassroots, and local efforts. Convention Chairperson, Gunay Evinch, described the theme of the 32nd convention as “leadership for heritage community empowerment.”

The 32nd Annual Turkish American National Convention
Please click on the picture to watch the video

This yearʼs convention was hosted by the Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA), the Federation of Turkish American Associations (FTAA), and the Turkish American Community Center (TACC). Over the course of three days, the convention aimed to “educate, motivate, and mobilize local community support of US-Turkish relations” through various seminars, discussion panels, and grassroots events. Day 1, Grassroots Day, was held at the Turkish Coalition of Americaʼs (TCA) office and focused on training members on public advocacy. Day 2, Leadership Day, was held at the Washington Plaza Hotel, discussing the intricacies of relations between the US and Turkey. Day 3, Young Turks Day, centered around the involvement of young Turkish community members. Ambassador Namik Tan stated, “The future is in the hands and minds of our young generation.”

The 32nd Annual Turkish American National Convention
Please click on the picture to watch the video

Members of Congress, the State Department, and representatives from the White House were also in attendance, serving to foster a strong relationship between the US and Turkish community. Mr. Evinch mentioned that the byline is “thinking globally, acting locally.” As the video shows, the convention achieved its goal of educating and motivating the community to take action in working towards strengthening relations between the two countries.

The Turkish American Television received ”Excellence in Media” award at the 32. Annual National Turkish American Convention on Saturday, April 14, 2012, in Washington, DC.

Turkish American Televison is a proud media sponsor of 2012 Annual Turkish Anmerican National Convention.

To watch the special video coverage of the 2012 Annual Convention on the Internet, please visit http://turkishamericantv.org/episode-90

For the TATV broadcasting schedule, please check http://turkishamericantv.org/program

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Turkish-American Hour Episode 89

Posted on January 15, 2013 by TurkishTV

Turkish American Television Proudly Presents

“Beautiful Turkey”
at
Prime Time Toastmasters Club

Turkish-American Television had the pleasure of recording a Toastmasters Meeting at Fairfax Public Access, during which “Beautiful Turkey” was the topic of discussion. Paul White, a Distinguished Toastmaster, shared a Turkish folktale entitled “Rose Beauty” and wowed the audience with his magic show, which aptly enhanced an already alluring tale.

Paul White telling the story of “Rose Beauty”

Distinguished Toastmaster Shu Bartholomew detailed her lovely summers spent in Turkey as a teenager. Some of her experiences included traditionally dining on rockfish in Mersin and riding into the mountains on mules to visit the fresh water springs. She also explains the legend behind the fascinating Kiz Kulesi, translated into English as”The Maiden’s Tower.”

Shu Bartholomew sharing her childhood memories in Turkey

All in all, the evening was filled with delight, surprise, and laughter as the audience sat around the table, entertained and intrigued by the speakers’ storytelling abilities.

For the broadcasting schedule, please check http://turkishamericantv.org/program

To watch this show on the Internet, please visit http://turkishamericantv.org/episode-89

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Year in Review – 2012

Posted on December 30, 2012 by TurkishTV

Turkish American Television is proud and happy to mark the end of 2012 by bringing many extraordinary video productions to our viewers.

Concerts and Music

Ahmed Adnan Saygun’s “Yunus Emre Oratorio” at the Music Center at Strathmore in Rockville, Maryland. Performed by the TURKSOY Symphony Orchestra and the U.S.-based Jonathan Griffith Singers on April 25, 2012.

 

Roy Hargrove Quintet Concert at Turkish Embassy Residence, an Ertegun Jazz Series Concert, in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center, on Feb. 15, 2012. The concert honored The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African-American History and Culture.

 

Barakka is a Turkish-Middle Eastern folk rock band based out of Philadelphia, PA. Barakka recently released their first album, “Uzaklardan” (translated to “from far away”), which features 10 songs, including their most popular single, “Ağıt” (translated to “lament”). Some of these songs may be heard in the studio concert they provided on TATV. Please enjoy the video.

Festivals and Cultural Events

The Turkish Festival in Washington, DC celebrated its 10th year on Sunday September 30, 2012 at Freedom Plaza! This festival, held every year in the beginning of the Autumn season, showcases the many facets of Turkey including: culture, history, entertainment, food, fashion, and much more.

The 15th annual California Turkish Festival was held in Monterey, CA on August 25-26 2012. The event had a multitude of musical and cultural events, as well as great Turkish food. Custom House Plaza hosted several tents where visitors could learn about Turkey, purchase jewelery, arts, clothing and food.

Exhibits, Books

TATV visited 1001 Inventions exhibition in the National Geographic Museum in Washington D.C. and interviewed Professor Salim Al-Hassani, President for the Foundation for Science, Technology and Civilisation, and Richard McWalters, Director of National Geographic’s Museum Operations.

 

In her 10th book “Forty Thorns”, Judy Light Ayyildiz depicts the story of her late mother-in-law, Adalet, and her struggle during the fall of the Ottoman Empire. Though the story is based on the experience of Adalet, it also explores the history of Turkey as the nation and its denizens went through “a triumph of the human spirit.”

The Karabakh Foundation‘s e executive director Diana Cohen Altman outlines the organization’s mission in Episode 85  while Kelsey King, the Program Officer of Cultural Affairs, conducts an interview with Anna Stenko in which the artwork of Stenko’s father,Kamil Najafzade, is discussed.

 

Turkish Cooking & Cousine

Feast Delight: America’s renowned television station PBS has began airing a Turkish cooking show “Feast Delight” presented by Müge Karslı. Turkish-American Hour takes you behind the scenes of this show with Müge.

 

Public Speaking

Are you afraid to get up and speak before a group? Do you need to fine tune your speaking skills? If you answered yes to either question Toastmasters may be just the solution to your problem. Prime Time Toastmasters Club who holds meetings at Fairfax Public Acess (FPA) twice a month is sharing an example of a toastmasters session with you. Watch this two part series, Episodes 80 and 81, to learn how Toastmasters helps achieve public speaking goals..from prepared speeches, to impromptu speaking and constructive feedback. Find out how a supportive environment can take away those fears.

Sit back and relax this holiday season, and enjoy these online TATV programs on your favorite media player.

Thank you for your continued support. Best wishes for 2013!

Turkish American TV Production Team

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Best Wishes for 2013!

Posted on December 29, 2012 by TurkishTV

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Turkish-American Hour Episode 88

Posted on December 21, 2012 by TurkishTV

Turkish American Television Presents

Barakka Band
The Philadelphia-based Multi-ethnic Group

Barakka
Please click on the picture to watch the video

Barakka is a Turkish-Middle Eastern folk rock band based out of Philadelphia, PA. Lead singer and guitarist Baris Kaya started the band in 2003 when he came to the states to pursue his dream. The six-member band, including Baris, is composed of Jim Hamilton (drums), Roger Mgrdichian (oud, cumbus, and baglama), Jay Mintz (bass), Joseph Tayoun (percussions), and William Tayoun (keyboards). The band members, like their musical influences, come from all different backgrounds, uniting to create a unique sound of music.

The band name Barakka means “breadth of life” and was chosen based on a movie that Baris saw in previous years. Some of the band’s influences come from Turkish, Arabic (Lebanese), Armenian, Greek, and Persian music. They have managed to combine these influences into an original “east meets west” rock genre. Though all of their songs are in Turkish, the sound is very distinct and even those who do not understand the lyrics can enjoy their music.

Barakka recently released their first album, “Uzaklardan” (translated to “from far away”), which features 10 songs, including their most popular single, “Ağıt” (translated to “lament”). Some of these songs may be heard in the studio concert they provided on TATV. Please enjoy the video.

For the broadcasting schedule, please check http://turkishamericantv.org/program

To watch this show on the Internet, please visit http://turkishamericantv.org/episode-88

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Turkish-American Hour Episode 87

Posted on December 14, 2012 by TurkishTV

Turkish American TV Presents

1001 Inventions exhibition in the National Geographic Museum
Please click on the picture to watch the video

TATV visited 1001 Inventions exhibition in the National Geographic Museum in Washington D.C. and interviewed Professor Salim Al-Hassani, President for the Foundation for Science, Technology and Civilisation, and Richard McWalters, Director of National Geographic’s Museum Operations. Turkish American Television (TATV) is a proud supporter of 1001 Inventions Exhibition at the National Geographic Museum, Washington, DC. The exhibit is open through February 3, 2013.

An interview with Judy Ayyildiz on her latest book “Forty Thorns”
Please click on th epicture to watch the video

In her 10th book “Forty Thorns”, Judy Light Ayyildiz depicts the story of her late mother-in-law, Adalet, and her struggle during the fall of the Ottoman Empire. Though the story is based on the experience of Adalet, it also explores the history of Turkey as the nation and its denizens went through “a triumph of the human spirit.” The 366-page narrative fiction combines memoir, non-fiction (historical), and fiction to portray the life of a young woman during the rise of a newly emerging nation. Mrs. Ayyildiz has taken great care and done extensive research to ensure that the events are accurate. “Forty Thorns” is a must-read!

For the broadcasting schedule, please check http://turkishamericantv.org/program

To watch this show on the Internet, please visit http://turkishamericantv.org/episode-87

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1001 Inventions Exhibition

Posted on December 3, 2012 by TurkishTV

1001 Inventions Exhibition at the National Geographic Museum

 The award winning 1001 Inventions exhibit held at the National Geographic Museumreveals the ancient Muslim world’s groundbreaking contributions to the science and technology arena and how its influence extends into the present day. 1001 Inventionshas garnered much attention from a wide audience in several cities, including Istanbul, Turkey as Prime Minister Tayyip Erodgan’s request that this exhibition be displayed there. Over the course of 7 weeks, the exhibit received 450,000 visitors in Sultan Ahmet Square. Professor Salim Al-Hassani, President for the Foundation for Science, Technology and Civilisation and the Chief Editor of the book 1001 Inventions, remarked that he saw many young Turks cry from joy upon seeing their ancestors’ brilliant contributions to history while stating, “This is fantastic… we now feel that we have respect; we have appreciation from the rest of the world.”

1001 Inventions Exhibition at the National Geographic Museum
(Please click on the picture to watch the video)

Professor Al-Hassani emphasizes that the idea for compiling the knowledge behind this exhibit was born 13 years ago after a professor and colleague of his stated that 1,000 years of history, otherwise known as the dark ages in the west, had been forgotten. Professor Al-Hassani prefers to refer to this period as the “golden ages” as many pioneers from the Muslim world significantly changed the course of history for the better during this time. He underscores how this exhibit has helped many beyond the west recognize their integral role in civilization, as their ancestors were its “builders.”

The exhibit is an interactive and entertaining manifestation of knowledge compiled by the Foundation for Science, Technology and Civilisation. It counters the widely yet mistakenly held notion that the exotic backdrop of “One Thousand and One Nights,” a series of Arabic folk tales, is an actual depiction of ancient Islamic civilization by playing with the story’s title and providing a rich array of information based on ancient manuscripts and other findings. TATV is a proud supporter of 1001 Inventions and provides a glimpse into the interactive and educational nature of this exhibit while including informative interviews with Professor Al-Hassani and Richard McWalters, Director of National Geographic’s Museum Operations.

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